SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 42 Min.
Released by Touchstone Pictures in 1987, Chris Columbus (before Home Alone and the Harry Potter franchise) directed this teen comedy starring The Karate Kid’s Elisabeth Shue. In suburban Chicago, 17-year old Chris Parker’s (Shue) special date night is inexplicably canceled by her smarmy boyfriend (Whitford). As her evening is now conveniently free, her mom (Shuman) prods a disappointed Chris into a routine babysitting gig.
With her three young charges in tow, Chris must then reluctantly drive into downtown Chicago to rescue her stranded best friend, Brenda (Miller). A series of bewildering mishaps inadvertently puts Chris and the three kids in the crosshairs of ruthless mobsters. Finding her inner hero, Chris might still discover an unexpected reward salvaging undoubtedly the worst night of her teenage life.
Chris Parker: Elisabeth Shue
Sara Anderson: Maia Brewton
Brad Anderson: Keith Coogan
Daryl: Anthony Rapp
Dawson: Vincent D’Onofrio
Brenda: Penelope Ann Miller
Dan: George Newbern
Mike: Bradley Whitford
Joe Gipp: Calvin Levels
Graydon: Ron Canada
Bleak: John Davis Chandler
Mrs. Anderson: Linda Sorensen
Mr. Anderson: Dan Ziskie
Mrs. Parker: Sandra Shuman
Bag Lady: Sandi Ross
Notes: The film is also available in Blu-Ray and digital formats. A remake was filmed for the Disney Channel in 2016.
REVIEW:
Bolstered by Chris Columbus’ spot-on directing, Elisabeth Shue’s effervescence surpasses an otherwise standard-issue, 80’s kiddie PG-13 sitcom. Aside from occasional profanities, both the acting and mild plot twists work well for the movie’s intended audience.
Though today’s generation will likely deem the humor outdated, Adventures in Babysitting may prove an unexpected nostalgia treat on family movie night.
BONUS FEATURES:
Included is Dolby Digital Surround Sound and a French language track.
PACKAGING:
The DVD has an average yet sturdy casing. The DVD’s contents are accurately advertised.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
